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Saved February 14, 2026
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This article features linguist Adam Aleksic discussing how social media algorithms influence language and communication. He explains how slang spreads rapidly today, often stripping words of their original meanings, and highlights the need for critical awareness of these changes.
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Social media algorithms have transformed the way we use language, blending slang and cultural expressions in rapid, sometimes confusing ways. Linguist Adam Aleksic explains how phrases like “6-7” and “delulu is the solulu” reflect this shift. His book, "Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language," examines the impact of these algorithms not just on communication, but also on self-perception and social interactions. For instance, the act of swiping on Tinder has become a shorthand for liking something, illustrating how design influences language.
Aleksic highlights the concept of "context collapse," where words like “slay,” which originated in specific communities, now spread across broader audiences without their original meanings. Algorithms accelerate this process, pushing trends through metadata that captures every word used online. While some words lose their original connotations, Aleksic argues that this linguistic evolution can enhance expression. He points out that terms from groups like incels can gain mainstream traction through memes, serving as a vehicle for ideas that might otherwise be rejected.
The article also touches on the democratizing aspect of algorithms. They have given a voice to those previously unheard, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. Yet, the challenge remains in how these words transition from online to offline conversations. Aleksic suggests that using new slang often starts ironically but can become genuine as it finds relevance in everyday contexts. He emphasizes the importance of critical awareness in navigating this linguistic evolution, especially as AI tools, like ChatGPT, begin to influence language patterns and writing styles.
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